- Casper sits on the banks of the North Platte River, one of North America’s top trout fisheries. The river’s 4000 rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout per mile, make it a blast to fish. They are the reason it was named a “Blue Ribbon” stream. Fishermen regularly land giants weighing in at over 10 pounds and 30 inches long. If you’re just looking for a quick excursion, you can conveniently access several miles of riverfront in Casper, via the Platte River Parkway path system.
The tail waters south of the city between Alcova, Kortes, Pathfinder and Seminoe Reservoirs, is where you will find the world class fly fishing the North Platte is famous for. Grey Reef and the Miracle Mile are by far the most productive stretches on the river with an astounding 8,000 fish per mile. Catching the monster trout that dwell in these waters isn’t too easy, so I always go after them with the help of my buddies at The Reef Fly Shop. Their fully stocked shop has everything you need for a great day of fishing including drift boats, rods, hip waders, licenses, food and drinks; not to mention they have the most experienced and knowledgeable guides on the Platte. Whether you’re a fly-fishing veteran, or a first timer, they can coach you through landing a once in a lifetime “Brownie”.
- The Sandwich Bar. The beauty of this place is that you are the sandwich artist. That’s right; you can mix and match a huge variety of fresh bread, meat, cheese, vegetables and condiments to create a masterpiece that would make your mother blush. When construction is complete, the beast is weighed to determine the cost. Their soup is dynamite too, and will go perfectly with that pile of deliciousness you’re claiming as a sandwich. (200 E 2nd St.)
- For a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of town, head south on Casper Mountain Road. Once you reach Rotary Park it’s only a short hike up to the awe-inspiring Garden Creek Waterfall, where locals and visitors alike have been flocking since the 1930’s. The upper reaches of the mountain offer some beautiful views of Casper and the sweeping landscapes below. You can reach the best lookouts by foot, bike or horseback on the 5 mile Bridal Trail Loop, or by simply continuing to drive on Casper Mountain Road.
- Evansville’s HQ BBQ knows what real Southern barbeque is supposed to taste like. If you’re looking for delicious and genuine home-style cooking, HQ is the place for you. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at this place, but the Dry Rub Smoked Wings are second to none. Try them once and you’ll never pass through Casper again without stopping for a plate of these bad boys. (70 Curtis St. In, Evansville)
- Didn’t get enough competition at the CNFR? Ken & Betty’s Scoops and Sprinkles will put your gut to the test with the grueling “Belly Ache Challenge”. You’re tasked with crushing a ten scoop mountain of ice cream heaped with ten toppings, whipped cream and cherries. There’s no time limit and if you complete the challenge you’ll make the Wall of Fame and get a sweet new t-shirt. (4801 E. 2nd St.)
- If you’re southbound from Casper, you’ll find a Natural Water Slide in Sinks Canyon State Park about 120 miles into your journey, near Lander. The Popo Agi River (pah-POH-zee) and good ol’ Mother Nature have teamed up to create a perfectly smooth, 20 foot, slick rock slide with a 10 foot drop into the icy water below. For the best results, stay to the left of the falls, wet the rocks and slide away!
Hot Tip
Camping is free on BLM, National Forests and National Grasslands. The abundance of accessible public land in the Western United States provides a great escape from cramped and expensive private campgrounds. Although primitive camping areas usually lack things like electricity, showers and picnic tables, life can be easy if you come prepared. Whether you’re travelling by motor home, truck and trailer, minivan or motorbike, you’ll find the perfect camping spot on www.freecampsites.net.
